Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley announced on Tuesday, November 1, that local legislators successfully negotiated with CSX Freight Corporation to install two new hookup sites in an effort to reduce the rumbling, noise and odors from outgoing freight trains plaguing residents in Middle Village.

According to a statement from Crowley's office, trains carrying waste and construction debris idle while their brakes and engined were recharged at a hookup site northeast of the 69th Place and Juniper Boulevard South intersection in a residential area.

One new hookup is located several hundred feet southwest of 69th Street near All Faiths Cemetery, according to Crowley's office, and the other is roughly 450 feet back from the 69th and Juniper site. According to a representative from her office, the new hookups were funded privately by CSX.

Legislators vowed to continue working with train companies, which also include the New York Atlantic Railroad, to further relieve residents of noisy rumbling and foul smells.

Eric Yun, a representative from Crowley's office, said “we're always looking towards figuring out different ways to decrease the amount of train traffic in that area. We're looking for ways to cover the waste to reduce the smell.”

Assemblyman Mike Miller agreed that the hookups are a first step, and there is much more work to follow. “This move should help address some of the life concerns faced by those living in the surrounding community,” he said in a statement. “Moving forward, we need to look into further action to improve the quality of life for those who live near the railroad.”